StatoilHydro goes for vessels that employ emission-reduction technology

Published 2008-03-11, 12:28 CET

StatoilHydro has awarded contracts for four new supply vessels for the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS). The company used this opportunity to obtain another gas-powered vessel.

The vessels from Remøy Shipping have the characteristic Ulstein X-bow, which resembles the bow of the Vikings' longships. (Illustration: Remøy Shipping)








The total value of the contracts, including options, is almost NOK three billion. The vessels will be delivered in the period 2008–2011.

Two of the vessels will be delivered by Remøy Shipping, whereas the two other ones will be delivered by Farstad Shipping ASA and DOF Management ASA.

All of the four vessels employ a new technology that reduces the emissions to the air.

Three of the vessels have a diesel-electric solution with a catalyst, which reduces the emissions of NOx by about 90 percent compared with ordinary diesel vessels.

The vessel running on liquefied natural gas, LNG, in addition reduces the emissions of CO2 by some 20 percent.

This is StatoilHydro's fourth contract for a gas-powered vessel.

StatoilHydro is so far the only company in the world that uses gas vessels for offshore operations.

"We are pleased that this award allows us to combine our ambitionl of running our offshore supply operations in a safe and effective manner, at the same time as we employ new technology that reduces the environmental impacts," says Torstein Hole, head of operations development, StatoilHydro.

The vessels from Remøy Shipping will sail for StatoilHydro for eight years, with an option for another four years. The vessels from DOF Management ASA and Farstad Shipping ASA will sail for StatoilHydro for five years, with a corresponding option period.

In addition StatoilHydro recently signed a contract for the vessel the Volstad Princess. This is a three-year contract, with two annual options.

Source: StatoilHydro